Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
More
  • "The most expensive bit of drumming in history”
  • JoBo x Fuchs
  • Radiohead Daydreaming
  • Vanilla Fudge
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tech
  2. Software & Apps
  3. Plugins

10 great analogue-style EQ VST plug-ins

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 15 August 2011

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Vintage hardware reborn

Vintage hardware reborn

Modern ‘digital’ EQ plug-ins tend to be far more flexible than their analogue hardware forerunners, which usually means more bands capable of narrower Q settings, and lots more gain.

However, what these designs tend to lack is analogue character, and in certain situations, too much flexibility can be a hindrance rather than a help.

Heading for analogue-inspired EQ plug-ins is certainly an option, then and you’ll find there are plenty to choose from. We’re looking at ten of them here, and they’re all available for PC and Mac in AU, VST and RTAS formats, though the first couple are UAD-2 exclusives.

For a comprehensive guide to analogue-style EQ plug-ins, check out the September issue of Computer Music (CM168) which is on sale now.

NEXT: Universal Audio Harrison 32C

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Universal Audio Harrison 32C

Universal Audio Harrison 32C

Emulates the distinctive 4-band EQ from Bruce Swedien’s very own hit-making Harrison 4032C desk. Note that it requires a UAD‑2 card to run.

Read Universal Audio Harrison 32C review

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive

Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive

Manley’s hardware tube mastering EQ is a triumph of engineering. Emulating it takes oodles of DSP - a UAD 2 Solo runs just one stereo instance.

Read Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive review

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Softube Passive-Active Pack

Softube Passive-Active Pack

Softube’s three-pack provides individual EQs that emulate the Neumann PEV 930 passive and Filtek Labo Mk5 active EQs, with the third plug-in combining both.

Read Softube Passive-Active Pack review

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Softube Trident A-Range

Softube Trident A-Range

Based on one of the big desk EQs of the ‘70s and created with help from original designer Malcolm Toft, emulations don’t get much closer than this.

Read Softube Trident A-Range review

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
IK Multimedia Vintage Tube Program Equalizer

IK Multimedia Vintage Tube Program Equalizer

The Pultec EQP-1A is probably the most copied EQ of all time, and this emulation is not only sonically on the money but works in M/S mode too.

Find out more about IK Multimedia Vintage Tube Program Equalizer

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Waves SSL G-Equalizer

Waves SSL G-Equalizer

SSL’s G EQ is a powerful EQ that’s contributed to the sound of countless major releases. It’s part of its SSL 4000 package, which the price re­flects.

Find out more about Waves SSL G-Equalizer

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
PSP Audioware sQuad

PSP Audioware sQuad

Six plug-ins now make up this hardware influenced EQ bundle, and with inspirations coming from Neve, AMEK and MCI, it’s not just run of the mill.

Read PSP Audioware sQuad review

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Abbey Road Plug Ins Brilliance Pack

Abbey Road Plug Ins Brilliance Pack

The pack includes three variations of Abbey Road’s bespoke treble-enhancing EQ boxes - rare hardware that few of us will ever have the opportunity to use.

Read Abbey Road Plug Ins Brilliance Pack review

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Sound Performance Labs EQ Rangers

Sound Performance Labs EQ Rangers

SPL’s three-pack of passive EQs are software versions of their own hardware. Two of the three plug-ins, Bass and Vox Ranger, are also application-specific.

Read Sound Performance Labs EQ Rangers review

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
URS N4 Series 4

URS N4 Series 4

Just one of a number of Neve-inspired EQs from URS, this one is their closest to a direct emulation of the classic Neve 1081 EQ.

Find out more about URS N4 Series 4

Liked this? Now read:8 great algorithmic reverb plug-ins

Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
Computer Music
Computer Music
Social Links Navigation

Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
More Info
Latest in Plugins
kv331
KV331 Audio is giving away SynthMaster One for free until January 4
 
 
A laptop in a music studio with Universal Audio plugins running on it
UAD's free plugin offer is the biggest no-brainer I've seen this year – but time is running out to get your hands on a world-class studio weapon for nothing
 
 
absynth 6
Native Instruments' Absynth returns – here’s the inside story, with developer Brian Clevinger
 
 
soundtoys
"This is our way of saying thank you": Soundtoys is giving away six free plugins this Christmas, starting with Little PrimalTap
 
 
tape double track
This $99 plugin recreates a classic studio technique invented at Abbey Road for The Beatles – and it's free for the next three days
 
 
 universal audio
“We built Paradise to make any guitarist feel like they’re playing in a dream studio": Universal Audio releases Paradise Guitar Studio – and it's 25% off for Cyber Monday
 
 
Latest in News
Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean and Rob Reiner attend 'Anniversary Film: This is Spinal Tap-35 Years' at Beacon Theatre on April 27, 2019 in New York City
"He was funny, he was smart”: Harry Shearer, Paul McCartney and others pay tribute to Rob Reiner
 
 
fl studio web
"FL Studio is coming to your browser": Image-Line announces FL Studio Web in bid to "lower the barrier to entry" for new users
 
 
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 19: Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle of Roxette perform on stage on the 'Join The Joyride' tour at Wembley Arena on October 19th, 1991 in London, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns)
Roxette’s It Must Have Been Love isn’t what you thought it was, says the man who wrote it
 
 
Beyoncé fans attend the Cowboy Carter Tour
Who run the world? Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter is highest grossing solo tour of the year
 
 
Singers Kirsty MacColl (1959 - 2000) and Shane MacGowan with with toy guns and an inflatable Santa in a festive scenario, circa 1987
“It’s faster, more spunky”: Steve Lillywhite on what he did to brush up a new live version of Fairytale Of New York
 
 
Piano under a Christmas tree with gifts
5 reasons a gift card is the most stress-free present you can get a musician this Christmas
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...